Bryant council to consider water leakage policy, right-of-way purchase

During the regular Bryant City Council meeting Tuesday, the council will consider a resolution on a leak adjustment policy and the purchase agreement for a right of way for the Bryant Parkway project.

The city and the Water/ Wastewater Committee have been working the policy for months.

"The city is often faced with requests for billing adjustments from customers who experience high bills due to water leaks," the resolution read, adding that the cost of purchasing water through Central Arkansas Water has to be recovered through water rates.

The new policy would provide some relief on high water and wastewater bills. This policy governs the circumstances the adjustment can be provided.

The new policy allows an adjustment to water and sewer rates one time a year for most customers and once every 24-months for irrigation dedicated water services.

Those seeking adjustments will need to make a written request to Bryant Water and Wastewater Customer Service.

City Attorney Ashley Clancy will present a resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase property from Saline County for the construction of the Bryant Parkway from the Union Pacific right of way to the intersection of Hill Farm Road. The county approved the sale at its most recent Saline County Quorum Court meeting.

During the February meeting, the council approved a $500 permit fee to be added to Ordinance 2022-08, which was related to boring and jacking in the city. The council is scheduled to reexamine that fee. Council Member RJ Hawk has asked the council to add the fee because he felt it was wrong to charge local developers $500 to cut trees for development while this permit was free. The members decided the funds from the fee would go the Stormwater Department.

Mayor Allen Scott is set to give his annual State of the City address during the meeting.

The council will also:

• hear a presentation by Scott declaring April Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

• hear an update on the city's website.

• hear financial reports, consider budget adjustments and have a presentation on the annual budget book for 2022.

• consider a resolution for the city to prepare documents to take steps to purchase new rescue and pumper fire apparatus for the Bryant Fire Department.

• consider a waiver of competitive bidding for the purchase of an access control management system.

• consider a contract for repairs for the Aquatics Center.

The council meets 6:30 p.m. in the Boswell Municipal Complex City Hall Courtroom, 210 SW 3rd St. in Bryant.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is encouraged. Meetings are streamed to the Bryant, Arkansas Youtube Channel.